The 34th annual Surface Line Week (SLW) in San Diego came to an end with the presentation of overall awards during closing ceremonies at Naval Base San Diego, Aug. 21.

Vice Adm. Tom Rowden, commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, thanked all the commands who participated before handing out trophies to winners.

"I think it's important from time to time that we just take a step back to take a breath, enjoy each other's company, have some friendly competition and have the opportunity to share some sea stories around the waterfront," said Rowden.

He went on to thank all those involved with organizing the event, and also those who participated, noting that their day-to-day efforts at their commands do not go unnoticed.

"I know that you all work very hard every single day on your ships and at your commands, and I sincerely appreciate it," he said.

SLW is an annual competitive event that allows San Diego military commands and service members the opportunity to showcase their athletic and professional talents in a variety of tournament-style competitions.

This year there were 32 total events and 32 commands that participated. USS San Diego (LPD 22) was the overall first place winner, with USS Comstock (LSD 45) finishing in second place, and USS Cowpens (CG 63) coming in third.

In the large command category, USS San Diego (LPD 22) took first place, USS Comstock (LSD 45) placed second, and USS Makin Island (LHD 8) finished in third place.

In the medium command category, USS Cowpens (CG 63) took first place, USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) placed second, and USS Lake Erie (CG 70) finished in third place.

In the small command category, Littoral Combat Ship Squadron (LCSRON) 1 captured first place honors, Navy Region Southwest Transient Personnel Unit was awarded second place, and Beach Master Unit (BMU) 1 finished in third place.

This year's athletic events included a 5K run, basketball, billiards, bowling, dodgeball, flag football, softball, golf, push-up/pull-up endurance, functional fitness and soccer. There was also a chili and salsa cook-off on the final day of competition.

SLW professional events for 2015 included a damage control marathon, marksmanship, medical diagnosis/stretcher bearer race, photo competition, rescue swimmer, sailing, seamanship, ship handling, welding/cutting, lathe and visual communication .

"I think SLW was a success," said Lt. Jochelle Schatz, this year's SLW coordinator. "Every year it seems like it's growing in numbers."

Nearly 300 games were played throughout the week, including 38 football games, 39 basketball games, 26 dodgeball games, 27 racquet ball matches, 30 soccer matches, 37 softball games, 27 tennis matches, and 44 volleyball matches. In addition, there were more than 400 rounds of golf.

Schatz was happy to see the level of involvement from commands, from Seaman to Captain.

"It was great seeing commanding officers and leadership from commands, out supporting their teams," said Schatz.

Schatz was happy to see the camaraderie that built between different commands despite all the competition.

"I've seen commands throughout this whole event build friendships with one another, encourage each other throughout the competitions, and cheering each other on. It was a nice surprise to observe that," she said.

To learn more about surface line week visit their website at http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/Pages/slw.aspx or Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SurfaceLineWeek

For more news from Naval Surface Forces, visit www.navy.mil/.